Exodus 23:15

KJV

Thou shalt keep the feast of unleavened bread: (thou shalt eat unleavened bread seven days, as I commanded thee, in the time appointed of the month Abib; for in it thou camest out from Egypt: and none shall appear before me empty:)

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou shalt keep {H8104} the feast {H2282} of unleavened bread {H4682}:(thou shalt eat {H398} unleavened bread {H4682} seven {H7651} days {H3117}, as I commanded {H6680} thee, in the time appointed {H4150} of the month {H2320} Abib {H24}; for in it thou camest out {H3318} from Egypt {H4714}: and none shall appear {H7200} before {H6440} me empty {H7387}:)

Complete Jewish Bible

Keep the festival of matzah: for seven days, as I ordered you, you are to eat matzah at the time determined in the month of Aviv; for it was in that month that you left Egypt. No one is to appear before me empty-handed.

Berean Standard Bible

You are to keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread as I commanded you: At the appointed time in the month of Abib you are to eat unleavened bread for seven days, because that was the month you came out of Egypt. No one may appear before Me empty-handed.

American Standard Version

The feast of unleavened bread shalt thou keep: seven days thou shalt eat unleavened bread, as I commanded thee, at the time appointed in the month Abib (for in it thou camest out from Egypt); and none shall appear before me empty:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 23:15, a foundational decree within the "Book of the Covenant," meticulously outlines the divine mandate for Israel to observe the Feast of Unleavened Bread. This pivotal annual pilgrimage festival, spanning seven days and precisely timed in the month of Abib, serves as an enduring memorial of God's miraculous liberation of His people from Egyptian bondage. Furthermore, the verse establishes a crucial principle for all who approach the Lord in worship: that no one should appear before Him empty-handed, signifying an expectation of reverence, gratitude, and tangible offerings as expressions of devotion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 23:15 is situated within the "Book of the Covenant" ([Exodus 20:22-23:33](/exodus/20-22-33 "Exodus 20:22-33 - The Book of the Covenant")), a comprehensive legal code immediately following the revelation of the [Ten Commandments](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20 - The Ten Commandments") at Mount Sinai. This section provides detailed civil, social, and religious statutes intended to govern the nascent nation of Israel as they prepared for life in the Promised Land. Specifically, verses [Exodus 23:14-19](/exodus/23-14-19 "Exodus 23:14-19 - The Three Annual Pilgrimage Feasts") delineate the three major annual pilgrimage festivals—the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Harvest (Weeks/Pentecost), and the Feast of Ingathering (Booths/Tabernacles)—at which all Israelite males were required to appear before the Lord. The placement of these cultic instructions within a broader legal framework underscores that Israel's worship was not isolated but deeply integrated into their daily life and their covenant relationship with God, emphasizing obedience and remembrance as core tenets.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of this divine command, the Israelites were a recently emancipated people, having experienced the monumental [Exodus from Egypt](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover and Exodus"). They were encamped at Mount Sinai, undergoing a profound transformation from a nomadic slave population into a covenanted nation under the direct governance of Yahweh. The institution of the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Matzot) was inextricably linked to the Passover, commemorating their hasty departure from Egypt, which left no time for their bread dough to rise ([Exodus 12:34](/exodus/12-34 "Exodus 12:34 - Israel's Hasty Departure")). This feast served as a perpetual, tangible reminder of their miraculous liberation and the swiftness of God's salvation. Culturally, agricultural cycles were paramount in the ancient Near East, and the timing of this feast in the month of Abib (spring) connected it to the barley harvest, symbolizing new beginnings and God's faithful provision. The injunction to "none shall appear before me empty" reflects a widespread ancient practice where individuals approaching a superior, deity, or dignitary would bring a gift or offering, signifying respect, homage, and dependence. For Israel, this was not merely a cultural convention but a divine imperative, emphasizing that worship involved concrete, tangible expressions of devotion and thanksgiving to the God who had redeemed them.

* **Key Themes:** Exodus 23:15 significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Central among these is the theme of **Remembrance and Covenant Loyalty**. The feast serves as a perpetual memorial of God's mighty act of deliverance, ensuring that future generations would recall their identity as God's redeemed people and remain faithful to His covenant. The consumption of unleavened bread for seven days also powerfully reinforces the theme of **Holiness and Purity**. Leaven, often a symbol of corruption or sin in Scripture, is purged, signifying Israel's call to be a holy nation, set apart from the "leaven" of Egypt and the surrounding pagan cultures ([Exodus 19:6](/exodus/19-6 "Exodus 19:6 - A Kingdom of Priests and a Holy Nation")). Furthermore, the command to "none shall appear before me empty" highlights the theme of **Worship as Responsive Gratitude and Obedience**. It underscores that true worship is not passive but involves an active, tangible expression of thanksgiving and dependence upon God for His provision and blessings, a principle reiterated in passages like [Deuteronomy 16:16-17](/deuteronomy/16-16-17 "Deuteronomy 16:16-17 - Deuteronomy 16:16-17 - Appear Before the Lord with an Offering").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Feast (Hebrew, _chag'_):** This term, derived from a root meaning "to make a pilgrimage" or "to dance," refers to a solemn festival or pilgrimage. In the context of the Old Testament, a _chag_ was a divinely appointed occasion of joyful celebration, often involving a journey to a central sanctuary (like Jerusalem) and sacrificial offerings. The use of _chag_ here emphasizes the communal, celebratory, and pilgrimage nature of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, distinguishing it as a sacred assembly ordained by God.
* **Month (Hebrew, _chôdesh'_):** Literally meaning "new moon," _chôdesh_ signifies a month, as the beginning of each new month in the Israelite calendar was marked by the appearance of the new moon. Its inclusion here, specifically linked to "Abib," highlights the precise, divinely ordained timing of the festival, connecting it to both the lunar calendar and the agricultural cycle. This precision underscores God's meticulous ordering of Israel's worship life.
* **Abib (Hebrew, _ʼāḇîḇ'_):** This word, meaning "green ear" or "young ear of grain," designates the first month of the Israelite religious calendar (later known as Nisan), corresponding to March-April. Its mention is crucial as it anchors the Feast of Unleavened Bread to the specific time of the barley harvest and, more significantly, to the exact historical season of Israel's exodus from Egypt. This connection ensures that the agricultural cycles and the redemptive history are intertwined in the Israelite consciousness.
* **Empty (Hebrew, _rêyqām'_):** This adverb means "emptily" or "without anything." The command "none shall appear before me empty" is a critical directive concerning the posture of worship. It signifies that when approaching the Lord, particularly at the pilgrimage festivals, the Israelites were expected to bring an offering. This was not merely a financial transaction but a tangible expression of gratitude, dependence, and reverence, acknowledging God's sovereignty and His provision for all blessings. It underscored the reciprocal nature of the covenant relationship, where God's faithfulness was met with Israel's obedient and thankful response.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt keep the feast of unleavened bread:":** This opening imperative establishes a direct, non-negotiable divine command for the perpetual observance of this specific festival. It underscores the feast's centrality to Israelite worship and its divine origin, emphasizing that it is a mandatory religious duty.
* **"(thou shalt eat unleavened bread seven days, as I commanded thee,":** This parenthetical clause provides the specific duration and nature of the observance. The eating of unleavened bread for a complete period of seven days is a reiteration of an earlier command, stressing consistency and unwavering adherence to divine instruction. The "seven days" symbolizes a thorough and sustained act of remembrance, purification, and separation.
* **"in the time appointed of the month Abib;":** This clause precisely specifies the timing of the feast, linking it to the agricultural calendar and the specific season of Israel's deliverance. The month of Abib, marking the beginning of spring and the barley harvest, highlights the connection between God's redemptive acts and the natural cycles of life and provision, demonstrating His sovereignty over both.
* **"for in it thou camest out from Egypt:":** This is the foundational theological rationale for the feast's observance. The command is explicitly tied to the historical reality of the Exodus, ensuring that future generations would never forget God's mighty act of liberation from slavery. The feast serves as a perpetual memorial, grounding Israel's identity in God's saving power and faithfulness.
* **"and none shall appear before me empty:)":** This final injunction establishes a fundamental principle of worship. It is a command that those who come into God's presence, especially at these pilgrimage festivals, must bring an offering. This signifies that worship is not merely a passive act of presence but an active expression of gratitude, honor, and dependence through tangible gifts, acknowledging God as the ultimate source of all blessings and the rightful recipient of their devotion.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 23:15 is rich in literary devices that enhance its divine authority and theological depth. The most prominent is **Imperative Mood**, evident in phrases like "Thou shalt keep" and "none shall appear," which convey the absolute authority of God and the non-negotiable nature of these covenant stipulations. This direct, commanding tone emphasizes divine expectation and human obligation. **Symbolism** is deeply embedded in the command concerning "unleavened bread"; the absence of leaven (yeast) symbolizes purity, haste, and the removal of corruption, reflecting a spiritual cleansing and a commitment to a new, holy life set apart for God, free from the "leaven" of sin. The act of "appearing before me empty" also carries profound **Symbolic** weight, representing an improper posture of worship; conversely, it implies the necessity of bringing an offering as a tangible expression of gratitude, dependence, and honor. Furthermore, the verse employs **Aetiology**, providing the historical reason for the feast: "for in it thou camest out from Egypt." This links the ritual practice to a foundational, redemptive event in Israel's history, ensuring that the observance is understood not as an arbitrary rule but as a perpetual memorial of God's saving power and faithfulness. Finally, the repetition of "unleavened bread" throughout the verse serves as a form of **Emphasis**, highlighting the central element of the feast and reinforcing its significance in the Israelite calendar and spiritual life.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 23:15 profoundly connects to several core theological themes, chief among them being the **remembrance of God's redemptive acts**. The Feast of Unleavened Bread serves as a perpetual, tangible reminder of God's miraculous deliverance of Israel from Egyptian bondage, ensuring that this foundational event is never forgotten. This act of remembering is not merely historical recall but a re-engagement with God's faithfulness, fostering gratitude and reinforcing Israel's identity as His chosen people. The symbolism of unleavened bread also powerfully conveys the theme of **holiness and separation from sin**. Just as all leaven was to be purged from their homes, Israel was called to purge spiritual "leaven"—malice, wickedness, and corruption—from their lives, striving for purity in their covenant relationship with God. Finally, the injunction "none shall appear before me empty" underscores the theme of **worship as an act of gratitude, dependence, and offering**. True worship involves not just presence but a heartfelt expression of thanks and devotion, recognizing that all blessings flow from the Lord and are to be returned to Him in worship.

* [Exodus 12:14-20](/exodus/12-14-20 "Exodus 12:14-20 - Institution of Passover and Unleavened Bread")
* [Deuteronomy 16:16](/deuteronomy/16-16 "Deuteronomy 16:16 - Three Annual Feasts and Offerings")
* [1 Corinthians 5:7-8](/1_corinthians/5-7-8 "1 Corinthians 5:7-8 - Christ Our Passover Lamb, Remove the Old Leaven")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 23:15, though rooted in ancient Israelite practice, offers timeless spiritual lessons for believers today. Just as Israel was commanded to perpetually remember God's physical deliverance from Egypt, we are called to constantly remember and celebrate God's ultimate spiritual deliverance from the bondage of sin and death through Jesus Christ. This remembrance should cultivate a profound sense of gratitude and inspire a life of worship. The symbolism of unleavened bread encourages us to pursue holiness and purity, diligently examining our lives to remove the "leaven" of sin, malice, and hypocrisy. This is an ongoing process of sanctification, striving to live in a manner worthy of our calling and reflecting the new life we have in Christ. Furthermore, the principle of "none shall appear before me empty" challenges us to consider the nature of our worship. It reminds us that our approach to God should be marked by intentionality, generosity, and a spirit of offering—not just of material possessions, but of our time, talents, and indeed, our very selves, as a living sacrifice. Our worship should be a holistic expression of our love, dependence, and thanksgiving to the One who has given us everything.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I actively remember and celebrate God's deliverance in my own life, both from specific struggles and from the bondage of sin?**
* **What "leaven" (sinful attitudes, ungodly habits, or spiritual apathy) do I need to diligently purge from my life to live more purely for God?**
* **How does the principle of "not appearing empty" challenge my understanding and practice of worship, generosity, and commitment to God?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper, more tangible sense of gratitude and express it in my daily walk with God and in my service to others?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of eating unleavened bread for seven days?**

Answer: The seven-day period for eating unleavened bread (matzah) is deeply symbolic and commemorative. Historically, it recalls the haste of Israel's departure from Egypt, where there was no time for their dough to rise before they fled ([Exodus 12:34](/exodus/12-34 "Exodus 12:34 - Israel's Hasty Departure")). Theologically, leaven (yeast) often symbolizes corruption or sin in biblical thought (e.g., [1 Corinthians 5:6-8](/1_corinthians/5-6-8 "1 Corinthians 5:6-8 - The Leaven of Malice and Wickedness")). Therefore, eating unleavened bread for a complete period of seven days signifies a thorough purging of sin and a commitment to purity and holiness, marking a new, set-apart life in covenant with God. It emphasizes a complete separation from the old life of bondage and sin, embracing a life of sanctification.

**What does "the month Abib" refer to?**

Answer: "Abib" (אָבִיב, _ʼāḇîḇ_) is the original Hebrew name for the first month of the Israelite religious calendar, which later became known as Nisan. It literally means "ear of grain" or "fresh ear," referring to the time in early spring (typically March-April) when the barley ripens. This timing connects the Feast of Unleavened Bread to the agricultural cycle, specifically the barley harvest, which marked the beginning of the harvest season. More profoundly, it firmly anchors the commemoration of the Exodus to a specific, divinely appointed season, highlighting God's faithfulness in both redemption and provision, linking the historical event to the rhythms of nature.

**What does "none shall appear before me empty" mean in the context of this verse?**

Answer: This phrase is a crucial directive regarding the proper posture and practice of worship. It means that when the Israelites came into the presence of the Lord, especially at the three annual pilgrimage festivals (including Unleavened Bread), they were not to come without an offering. This was not merely a financial requirement but a tangible expression of gratitude, reverence, dependence, and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty. It underscored that all blessings came from Him and that their worship should involve a sacrificial giving of their firstfruits or other appropriate offerings, demonstrating their honor and devotion to the Lord ([Deuteronomy 16:16-17](/deuteronomy/16-16-17 "Deuteronomy 16:16-17 - Appear Before the Lord with an Offering")). It signifies that true worship is active, intentional, and involves a giving of oneself and one's resources back to God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 23:15, with its profound emphasis on deliverance, purity, and worship, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Feast of Unleavened Bread, commemorating Israel's liberation from the physical bondage of Egypt, powerfully foreshadows the spiritual exodus accomplished by Christ. He is our true [Passover Lamb](/1_corinthians/5-7 "1 Corinthians 5:7 - Christ Our Passover Lamb"), whose perfect and unblemished sacrifice on the cross delivers us from the far greater bondage of sin and death, just as the original Passover lamb secured Israel's freedom. The unleavened bread, symbolizing purity and the removal of sin, points directly to Christ's sinless life and His body, broken for us. As the "bread of life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")), Jesus offers true spiritual sustenance and the means of our purity, enabling us to live a life free from the "old leaven" of malice and wickedness ([1 Corinthians 5:8](/1_corinthians/5-8 "1 Corinthians 5:8 - Let us keep the feast with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth")). Furthermore, the command "none shall appear before me empty" is transformed and perfectly fulfilled in Christ. We no longer come to God with animal sacrifices or grain offerings, for Jesus Himself is the perfect, once-for-all offering ([Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Sanctified Through the Offering of the Body of Jesus Christ")). Through His redemptive work, we are now enabled to approach God with boldness and confidence ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence")), offering ourselves as "living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God" ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Present Your Bodies as Living Sacrifices")), and bringing the "fruit of lips that confess his name" ([Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - Offering Praise Through Jesus")). Thus, Christ not only embodies the historical deliverance but also fulfills the spiritual purity and perfect offering that the feast anticipated, enabling all believers to approach God with true, acceptable worship.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Numbers 28:16

¶ And in the fourteenth day of the first month [is] the passover of the LORD.

Numbers 28:25

And on the seventh day ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work.

Exodus 34:20

But the firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb: and if thou redeem [him] not, then shalt thou break his neck. All the firstborn of thy sons thou shalt redeem. And none shall appear before me empty.

Luke 22:7

¶ Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the passover must be killed.

Deuteronomy 16:16

Three times in a year shall all thy males appear before the LORD thy God in the place which he shall choose; in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles: and they shall not appear before the LORD empty:

2 Kings 23:21

And the king commanded all the people, saying, Keep the passover unto the LORD your God, as [it is] written in the book of this covenant.

2 Kings 23:23

But in the eighteenth year of king Josiah, [wherein] this passover was holden to the LORD in Jerusalem.